Understanding DISC #3, Blending the DISC Styles

In the last 2 issues of “Understanding DISC” we described the basic elements of DISC: Dominance, Influencing, Steadiness, and Compliance. If you do not have that article available you can find it on our website on this link: https://www.dlionline.ca/news.php?id=28

Now that we understand the basic personality styles, it is time to learn how they blend within each and every personality.

Firstly, we must reiterate that every person’s personality has all four of the behavioural elements within it to one degree or another. Each element of the personality will play off another depending on its intensity and the specific situation at hand.

In many cases, we find that behaviour is controlled by one major element.

That is why we often find DISC users using terminology such as “High D, High I, High S, or High C.” Although one of those elements is often dominant, it is seldom allowed to act on its own. For example, if a person has a “High D” style he might also have a “Low I” style at the same time which will make his or her behaviour significantly different than someone who is a “High D” and “High I.”

In the example given above, both individual will be driven to incisive, potentially argumentative, direct and aggressive behaviour. However, a “High D” individual whose personality is tempered by a “Low I”, will tend to be pessimistic, untrusting and independent, while the person with the “High D” and “High I” will tend to be trusting, optimistic, and seek to resolve problems with the help of other people. The “Lower I” person will act with little or no sense of humour while the “Higher I” person will use humour to assist in solving the problem. The “Lower I” person will tend to try to force his or her agenda through while the “Higher I” person will attempt to persuade others to his or her agenda.

As you can see, although the individuals mentioned in the example are both “High D’s” their reaction to situations and their resulting behaviour will be quite different.

Now let’s look at the example of a “High I” whose behaviour is tempered by a “Low S” versus a “High I” person whose behaviour is influenced by a “High S.” In this case, both individuals will be friendly, sociable, and good at mixing with other people. However, the “Lower S” person whose pace is much faster will actively seek out new relationships and communication with others while the “Higher S” person will be slower to meet new people and will be open and amiable primarily with established friends and family members.

When the “S style” becomes a factor, either as a primary or secondary style influencer, individuals will approach situations at a different pace. Because of that subtle difference, casual observers might notice that one “High I” person is much more friendly and gregarious than another. The “Higher S” tends to reduce the naturally vivacious enthusiasm of the “High I” while the “Lower S” actually intensifies it.

Although “High I’s” tend to be outgoing and amiable, the other elements of their personalities will determine how it manifests itself.

Now let’s compare a “High S” person whose style is tempered by a “Low C” to a “High S” whose style is influence by a “High C”. It is important to note that at a “High S” tends to slow down the pace of an individual causing him or her to be very methodical, patient and often stubborn. In both cases the individual will tend to be persistent and persevering in the accomplishment of goals.

The person whose “High S” is tempered by a “Low C” will tend to display some independence, while the person who is influenced by the “Higher C” will show greater regard for the expectations of others. The person with the “Lower C” will persistently hang on to unpopular views and be resistant to change in approach to problems or people, while the person with the “Higher C” will be determined to remain “on course” but not at the expense of quality or at the risk of disappointing others.

Even though “High S” people are generally methodical and thoughtful, they will display a variety of reactions to situations depending on the intensity of an influencing “C” factor.

Now, let’s look at a how a “High C” can be influenced by a “Higher D” and a “Lower D”. Both will tend to be adaptable, dependable and soft spoken. The High “C” is naturally a stickler for rules and likes to put things into a “box”. They are critical thinkers and normally well disciplined.

In the case of “High C’s” that are influenced by a “Lower D”, they will use humour to avoid confrontation, while “High C’s” that are tempered by a “Higher D” will tend to become confrontational when pushed.

The “High C” that is influenced by the “Lower D” will behave according to established, respected procedures and systems while the “High C” that is tempered by the “Higher D” will tend to push quite hard to find correct, acceptable answers even if it means changing or creating procedures or systems.

Even though the “High C” is generally cautious and exacting, they will react differently to challenges depending on the intensity of a high or low, “D” factor.

There are a myriad of possible combinations of the Dominance, Influencing, Steadiness, and Compliance styles of DISC. In fact there are far too many to outline here. However, we hope that these few examples provide enough information to show the complexity and value of the tool.

In future issues of “UNDERSTANDING DISC” we will discuss how the DISC styles work in human relationships and how to best communicate with the various styles.

This article is based on the work of Dr. William Moulton Marston, creator of the DISC model.

You can contact Target Training International for course material. They are easy to find on the net. Here is a link to their site: http://www.ttiassessments.com/ . Alternatively, you can contact me at wkehl@dlionline and I can set you up with text books, pricing etc.
Cheers
Wayne

Linked 2 Leadership Blog is designed to serve professionals interested in Leadership Development, Organizational Health, and Personal & Professional Growth. We provide a safe and fun place to Learn, Grow and Develop Other Leaders.™